Blues given bruising as Bristol keep on winning
BRISTOL wrapped up the bonus point in the first half as they comprehensively defeated Cardiff Blues Premiership Select to kick off their British & Irish Cup campaign.
The Championship leaders have a 100 per cent record this season in the league and cruised to victory, scoring five tries as they proved too much for their Welsh opposition.
The Blues, who finished bottom of Pool 1 in last year’s British & Irish Cup, were well beaten in every facet of the game.
Bristol boss Pat Lam took a step back in this game, leaving forwards coach Mark Irish in charge.
He said: “It was great to see the guys go out and show what they could do. It was a good start and we did the things we asked the boys to do by building a lead in the first half.
“In the second half we made quite a few errors and put ourselves under pressure, but in general there were a lot of new lads and I was impressed by them.
“Aaron Chapman on the wing did a good job, but there were plenty of positives for us to take on the whole and this was a great way to build into Doncaster next week.”
Bristol’s tries came courtesy of a brace from star man Chapman, Will Hurrell, Andy Uren and replacement James Newey. Cardiff’s only effort was scored by Dale Stuckey.
Bristol did all their damage in the first period as they went into the break 26-0 up. Chapman opened the scoring after just 90 seconds and 20 minutes later, Hurrell made it two.
Billy Searle converted and soon Chapman was at it again as he scored his second try of the afternoon, benefitting from an excellent Jack O’Connell pass.
At that stage, the Blues were rudderless and it looked as if it could become an embarrassing afternoon.
Midway through the first half Uren produced a tremendous run, but the hosts managed to clear their lines and prevent a fourth Bristol try. On the stroke of half-time Uren did manage to get over to claim the bonus point and effectively end the game as a contest.
Blues dug in and the second period was far more even – so much so it took half an hour before Bristol scored their final try of the day as Newey caught the home defence off guard.
Blues kept fighting and can lay claim to scoring the best try of the match through Stuckey, who produced a storming run to the line. Ben Thomas converted, but by then it was too little, too late as the home side failed to take advantage of Bristol’s Joe Batley’s yellow card late on for a dangerous tackle.
Blues head coach Justin Burnell was disappointed with his side’s performance. He said: “It was a tough game and a disappointing result. Silly errors made the difference today.
“There’s still a lot to play for and we have the squad to do something in this competition. Hopefully we can come back fighting.”